Audio Review ~ In Bed with a Highlander ~ Maya Banks

In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks
McCabe Trilogy #1
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
Release Date: March 22, 2012
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: Audible Credit
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: Historical Romance 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his--until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan's clan, but for a man who dreams only of revent, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn--and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin's strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons--and embrace a love that means more than revenge or land.

I'd already fallen for Banks' highlanders, via Potter's narration, with the Montgomery's & Armstrong's series so I was eager to become acquainted with the McCabe's. I was not disappointed!

Mairin Stewart is a young woman who's lived hidden due to her parentage and birthright. However, an evil man, who's been tirelessly searching for her, found her. With some luck, Mairin and a young charge, are able to escape and she finds herself at the McCabe Keep, under their protection.

It takes Ewan McCabe some time to get the pieces of Mairin's story and put them together, but he realizes that Mairin could change the circumstances for his clan in a huge way. And lucky for them both, they've already begun falling for one another once Ewan has this realization.

Mairin is such a feisty, headstrong lass. She doesn't filter her thoughts or words and it made for a lot of fun even while it drove Ewan a bit crazy. Ewan is everything strong and noble you'd expect from a laird. He's a good man and he and Mairin made for a good match.

Banks' addition of Crispin to their story, Ewan's son and the young charge that led Mairin to Ewan, was a delight. He's a well-developed character and added much to the story. Duncan Cameron is a brilliant villain. He's crafty and determined to take Mairin and her inheritance, which would ensure him great power in Scotland. It may sound awful, but I'll be glad to see him run through.

I was also delighted in my introduction to the other McCabe brothers, Alaric and Caelen, as well as the warriors and other members of the McCabe clan. I enjoy a story with a well-developed supporting cast and in a story set in the Highlands, a large supporting cast makes sense. The secondary characters are colorful and reflected the type of leader Ewan was in the actions and interactions. Banks also wove in some intrigue and suspense which left me gasping at times.

Kirsten Potter did a fantastic job of narrating. She rocks a Scottish accent and her delivery not only kept me riveted, but she also has the ability to raise goosebumps during particularly intense scenes. I find that impressive.

I'm loving this series and I can't wait to read more!